A sleek, updated bathroom adds value to a home. It also comforts homeowners who are ready to relax after a long day.
Hiring a professional contractor can reduce the risk of costly mistakes and allow you to enjoy your new bathroom faster. A project involving changing plumbing or moving walls is best left to professionals for safety and code reasons. Contact Richmond VA Bathroom Remodel now!
The bathroom layout is a key element to consider before starting your remodel. It determines the location of the shower, tub, sink, toilet, and storage. A functional bathroom layout should provide wet and dry zones and work within your space limitations.
A bathroom remodel can either be a renovation or a remodel. A renovation is a structural change to the bathroom and requires a permit. A remodel is a cosmetic change that doesn’t alter the existing structure of the bathroom. A remodel can include changing the layout, modifying cabinets and countertops or adding a vanity.
The first step in a bathroom remodel is installing new plumbing. This is a significant part of the renovation and requires professional help. You will also need to install new fixtures, such as a toilet and shower.
During the remodel, it’s important to add blocking between wall studs to provide support for grab bars. This will make the bathroom safer for seniors and people with disabilities.
Cosmetic changes are a great way to freshen up the look of a bathroom. This can include changing out a vanity, cabinet, mirrors and adding a fresh coat of paint. However, cosmetic changes aren’t as much of a value-add as a full remodel. It’s best to stick to a small number of cosmetic changes. This will ensure that you stay within budget. Also, be sure to dispose of all the old materials properly.
Many remodeling projects require upgrading electrical circuits and outlets. For example, you need a 20-amp receptacle circuit for plug-in appliances and a GFCI or AFCI-protected outlet to reduce the risk of fires and shocks. It’s best to leave this job to licensed electricians, as they know what types of wiring upgrades are mandatory and when existing configurations can stay the same.
When choosing an electrician, consider their references and portfolio. Also, meet potential electricians to assess their communication skills and professionalism. Lastly, look for an electrician who offers warranties on their work. This shows they stand behind their craftsmanship and are committed to providing excellent customer service. This is a great way to ensure you’re hiring a skilled and qualified electrician for your remodel. You can also read reviews online to learn more about an electrician’s reputation and quality of work.
A bathroom remodel is a great opportunity to install new flooring. There are a wide variety of materials available, from wood to vinyl and natural stone. Bathroom floors are typically made from moisture-resistant materials to reduce the risk of mold.
Cabinets and drawers are another element to consider during a bathroom remodel. Cabinets can be painted or stained and come in a range of styles and finishes. Adding a pop of color can brighten up a space and make it feel more contemporary and updated.
If your bathroom is small, knocking down a wall can give it more room and allow it to feel bigger. Knocking down a wall can also create an open feeling between rooms, which can be especially nice if you have children sharing a bathroom. Knocking down a wall will require additional framing, drywall installation, and electrical work.
There are a lot of options when it comes to cabinets, and they all depend on your bathroom’s function. For example, if you have young children, installing grab bars is important to prevent falls.
Cabinets also add storage, which helps keep your bathroom tidy and reduce clutter. They can be built from various materials, including MDF and plywood, that are resistant to moisture and humidity.
Decorative bathroom features, such as matching soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and wastebaskets, can tie your whole remodel together. You can also use color to change the feel of a room and install energy-efficient lights to lower your utility bill. Remodeling is an investment, but there are many ways you can make your bathroom more functional without spending a fortune. Consider a renovation instead of a full-scale remodel to minimize your cost.
Replacing bathroom countertops is a popular remodeling trend and comes with many options that vary by appearance, durability, cost, and maintenance. The top contenders in the bathroom include tile, granite, and solid surface materials like quartz.
One of our favorite choices is a countertop that combines beauty and function: soapstone. It’s warm and earthy yet sleek for a primary bathroom. Designers love pairing it with polished nickel hardware and contrasting the gray to almost black coloration.
Porcelain or ceramic tile is affordable if you’re comfortable with grout lines and can handle regular scrubbing. Engineered quartz is another great budget option that can faithfully reproduce the look of natural stone. For more durable surfaces, consider quartzite or solid surface materials that are heat and scratch-resistant.
From petite bowls to trough-like rectangular basins, bathroom sink options are endless. But size matters. Using creative storage solutions and being innovative with the bathroom layout helps maximize space.
Stainless steel sinks are budget-friendly and come in a variety of styles. They can work with any color scheme and resist bacteria but require regular upkeep. Moisture and humidity will stain the sink unless it’s regularly wiped down.
Some cosmetic renovations don’t require a permit, but more extensive changes to the layout or plumbing structures typically do. Also, professional water damage restoration may be required if the remodel is extensive and includes significant remodeling work or new construction. This can add to your remodel cost.
When you remodel a bathroom, lighting is a critical factor that creates atmosphere as well as illuminates surfaces and tasks. Look for fixtures that offer ambient light that reflects off of lighter-colored walls and ceilings, as well as task lights for mirrors and vanities at eye level. These should be able to be adjusted on dimmer switches to suit the mood or tasks at hand.
Remember new wall treatments, such as wallpaper, paint, or wood paneling, during your remodel. Changing the color or pattern of your walls can instantly update the room’s look.
If you plan to add a shower curtain, choose a stylish fabric that elevates the look and creates a specific mood. Remember that, depending on the scope of your remodel, you may need a permit from the local building department. A professional contractor will help you obtain the necessary permits.
Often overlooked during bathroom remodels, the right exhaust fan is crucial to a well-ventilated space. It removes excess moisture from the air, which can damage wallpaper and paint. It also helps prevent mold, and it can even reduce odors.
Home remodelers use a variety of tools to install a new fan in place of an existing one or in new construction, including a step stool or ladder, a reciprocating saw, a drill and bits, roofing adhesive, and a duct cutter. The vents are ducted to the outside through the roof, often passing through unconditioned spaces like attics and crawl spaces.
Some fans have added features such as lights, heaters and humidity sensors to improve ventilation and energy efficiency. These extras can add up to a higher price tag. But they can be worth the investment in your health and comfort.
Mirrors add to the overall look of your bathroom and there are many shapes, sizes and finishes to choose from. Some of the latest bathroom mirrors have built-in lighting arrays that you can control with your smart home system.
Curved mirrors soften a room and often go well with pedestal sinks. You can also find round or hexagonal mirrors that work well for accenting or highlighting other wall designs, such as a tropical or bohemian wallpaper print.
Framed mirrors can come in a variety of styles, with some having an ornately detailed frame and others with a simple egg-shell white finish. There are even frames made of rattan, wicker and vine to evoke a more tropical or bohemian vibe.
Tempered glass is another popular option for bathroom mirrors, with moisture-resistant frames that are more resistant to temperature changes in bathrooms, which can cause normal glasses to shatter. You can also choose a backlit mirror to illuminate the interior of your bathroom with subtle light.
